6-Jan-16

Gospel MK 6: 45-52
After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied,
Jesus made his disciples get into the boat
and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida,
while he dismissed the crowd.
And when he had taken leave of them,
he went off to the mountain to pray.
When it was evening,
the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.
Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,
for the wind was against them.
About the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea.
He meant to pass by them.
But when they saw him walking on the sea,
they thought it was a ghost and cried out.
They had all seen him and were terrified.
But at once he spoke with them,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.
They were completely astounded.
They had not understood the incident of the loaves.
On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
Reflection:
"Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them."
We each have experienced being "tossed about" by the "winds," the fears associated with life.
As children, we experience the fear of rejection by our friends. As young adults, we experience the fear of rejection in love. As parents, we experience the fear associated with raising our children.
I have learned that the antidote to fear is faith; trust in the love of God is what enables me to overcome my fear.
Time and again, when faced with fear, I have returned to my mantra: "Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you."
When I have the presence of mind to try not to face my fear alone, but instead, reach out to Jesus for help, a calmness comes over me, and I can almost hear Him say, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love." 1 John 4:18